Celebrity Celebrity Deaths Jimmy Buffett's Cause of Death Revealed as Merkel Cell Skin Cancer The "Margaritaville" singer died on Friday at age 76 By Sarah Michaud Sarah Michaud Sarah Michaud is the senior news editor of PEOPLE's music vertical. She has been working at PEOPLE for 17 years. People Editorial Guidelines and Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE Magazine. He began working with the brand as an Editorial Intern in early 2020, before later transitioning to staff positions. Nicholas writes and edits anywhere between 7 to 9 stories per day on average for PEOPLE, spanning across each vertical the brand covers. People Editorial Guidelines Published on September 2, 2023 09:39PM EDT Photo: Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Jimmy Buffett's cause of death has been revealed. According to an official obituary for the star posted to his website, Buffett died at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, at age 76 on Friday from Merkel cell skin cancer — which he had been diagnosed with four years ago. (Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that often begins as "red, shiny nodules on the face, hands and neck," per the MD Anderson Cancer Center.) Buffett continued to perform during his cancer treatments, per the obituary. His last show took place in July during a surprise appearance in Rhode Island. The ''Margaritaville" singer is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane; his daughters, Savannah and Sarah Delaney; his son, Cameron; two sisters, Laurie and Lucy, his grandson Marley and his "devoted pack of dogs" Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax and Kody. In lieu of flowers, Buffett's family is asking fans to instead make donations to Jimmy Buffett’s Foundation Singing for Change, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Paul Morigi/Getty for Capital Concerts Inc. Jimmy Buffett, 'Margaritaville' Singer, Dead at 76 A statement posted on his social media and website on Saturday confirmed that Buffett died on Friday night with his family and friends around him. “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," the statement — which was accompanied by a touching photograph of Buffett sitting on a boat — read. "He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many," the statement concluded. In the months leading up to his death, Buffett — whose new album Equal Strain on All Parts was due to be released later this year — faced health issues that prompted him to cancel or postpone several shows. Francesco Da Vinci/Getty Remembering Jimmy Buffett's Life in Photos After news of Buffett's death was announced, his celebrity friends remembered him with moving tributes shared on social media. President Joe Biden remembered Buffett as "a poet of paradise," while Miles Teller called the beloved musician a "legend." In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Andy Cohen shared a picture of Buffett and wrote, "The king of cool… paradise was wherever Jimmy Buffett was." "He was everybody’s friend, and Paradise was wherever he was. Rest in Peace sweet Jimmy. ❤️☀️🌊 🦜 🍔," Cohen added on Instagram of Buffett. On his Instagram Story, Elton John remembered Buffet as a "unique and treasured" entertainer. Close